Australian Letterheads Celebrates 30th Anniversary

The 30th Australian Letterheads meet took place at TAFE NSW, Wollongong Campus, from 11 to 13 September 2025, a significant milestone for the community of signwriters, lettering artists, and traditional craftspeople known as the “keepers of the craft.”

Hosted by Danielle Corti, Head Teacher of Signs & Graphics at TAFE NSW, the gathering drew participants of all ages from across Australia and overseas to share knowledge, refine techniques, and celebrate the enduring value of hand-crafted signage.

Over three days, attendees immersed themselves in workshops and demonstrations covering a wide range of skills, including traditional signwriting, gold leaf application, pinstriping, scrollwork, marbling, faux finishes, airbrushing, and lettering. The program balanced technical instruction with hands-on practice, ensuring that both experienced professionals and newcomers could deepen their appreciation and capability in these time-honoured methods.

Another highlight of this year’s meet was the strong turnout of apprentices and younger attendees, many experiencing Letterheads for the first time. Organisers say the intergenerational exchange reinforces the community’s commitment to keeping hand-crafted sign techniques alive and relevant in a modern industry.

As with previous meets, the sense of community was as important as the craft itself. Participants collaborated on projects, exchanged tips and stories, and renewed friendships forged through earlier gatherings. The Wollongong campus provided a practical and inspiring backdrop, with purpose-built training facilities underscoring the connection between education, industry, and tradition.